Sale 218 Lot 344

GEOMETRIC ROMAN MOSAIC IN OPUS TESSELLATUM SET IN FRAME AS LOW TABLE 2nd–4th centuries AD Preserved Roman mosaic, likely from the Iberian Peninsula (Hispania), featuring a striking geometric composition centered on a concentric circular medallion radiating outward through alternating rings of dark and light tesserae in warm earth tones of terracotta, burnt sienna, ivory, and deep brown. The central circle transitions into an octagonal frame, which in turn gives way to a bold eight-pointed star pattern formed by interlocking diagonal bands that sweep dynamically toward the corners of the panel. The corners themselves contain quarter-circle motifs, suggesting this panel was once part of a larger floor design. The entire composition is bordered by a simple rectangular frame of small, uniform tesserae. The palette is exclusively warm and mineral — reds, ochres, creams, and blacks — typical of opus tessellatum work found in wealthy Roman domestic spaces (domus) or bath complexes, and the geometric precision and rhythmic patterning reflect the high craftsmanship associated with Roman mosaics from the 2nd–4th centuries AD found across sites in modern-day Spain, such as Italica, Merida, or Zaragoza.

Weight: Approx. 125 kilograms Mosaic: 47 1/2 in. x 45 1/4 in.; Table: 48 1/2 in. x 46 1/2 in.; height: 14 1/2 in.
$20,000-30,000

NOTE: This Roman mosaic panel, mounted as the top of an iron coffee table, was accompanied in the past by two expert opinions documenting its identification and valuation. The first, an appraisal letter dated January 25, 1989, was issued by Alain de Monbrison of Paris, a recognized dealer and specialist in ancient and tribal art whose gallery at 75008 Paris has long been consulted on works of this kind. In his letter, de Monbrison described the piece as a Paleochristian mosaic of Near Eastern origin, noting its orthogonal composition of tangent cross-like structures forming squares and lozenges within a lattice of straight-edged cables surrounding a central rosette, with restoration evident around the frame; he cited comparative material published in “The Geometric Decoration of the Roman Mosaic” (Picard Edition, 1985, p. 237fb) and dated the mosaic to the 4th–5th century A.D. The second document, an appraisal dated July 30, 200[?], was prepared by Harmer Johnson of Harmer Johnson, 144 East 64th Street, New York, addressed to our consignor. Johnson catalogued the panel as a Roman mosaic of the 3rd-4th century A.D., describing tesserae in red, black, brown, yellow, and white arranged in interlacing bands of linear and arcing design centered by a concentric circle with corner arcs and linear borders, measuring 48 x 48½ inches, and assigned a replacement value of $25,000.

Both original letters of documentation are presently missing from the archive; however, an affidavit will be produced attesting to their prior existence and content.

PROFILE: HARMER JOHNSON: Johnson, who joined Sotheby's London in 1961 as an associate in the Department of Antiquities and Ethnographic Art, relocated to New York in 1966 to head that department following Sotheby's acquisition of Parke-Bernet Galleries, and left Sotheby's in 1973 to become an independent appraiser of Antiquities, African, Oceanic, Pre-Columbian, Native American, and Ancient Near Eastern art for museums and private collectors worldwide.